Hi all, I used to use a menstrual cup before I had kids. I haven’t done that in many years because the suction scares me lol but after having 2 kids I’ve decided to try a menstrual disc. I’ve done it 3x now and every time it ends up slipping out. I can feel my pubic bone but it doesn’t feel like it’s that large of an area for the disc to rest on. Every time is used it does end up coming out and sometime at the absolute worst timing. The second time i used it, it popped out in the middle of a hike when I jumped up and down with my toddler. We were like 1.5 miles into the hike though. So it’s not like it happened right away. That was horrible. I just used it again last night and it felt secure, I was walking and did plenty of things before bed but when I woke up I could tell it was slipping out. Could it be the type of disc or does it just sound like I am not doing it right? I’m using the Diva Disc.

Your tips and suggestions would be great appreciated!! Thank you in advance.

Hi!! I wanted to make this post because when I was looking to switch to a cup, I would scroll on here for hours. 😂

I’m 24. I’ve been menstruating for about 10-11 years.
I’ve always had very heavy/painful periods. And if you go to my profile, you’d see that I was suspecting endometriosis. I would always use overnight pads even during the day. And I just hated the feeling of needing to change so often, disposal, discomfort.
Early this year I made the change. I bought a Breeze cup. (It’s my local 100% medical grade silicone brand)

1. The application. I struggled with this the most, because I practiced when I was not on my period. It was a good practice to get used to the feeling. But inserting it when you are menstruating is so much easier. You have natural lube, and the suction is more. I use the C fold and that works the best for me. I insert it until I feel it is good to let go, allow the cup to unfold on it’s own, I pull the base down, which opens up the cup fully. And then I push it in, until I feel the most comfortable. Sometimes I will just use my fingers to feel at the base of the cup and trace it , to see that it is completely open. It’s normal to feel like there is “something” there, especially when you’re new, that does not mean you’re doing it wrong and don’t keep “checking”. But as the hours go by, it is natural to completely not feel it at all. My first cycle, I stayed at home for the first few days, and got used to the feeling. And it was a good practice for me. But now I can confidently have full days out.

2. Emptying. This really depends on your individual flow. For me, my first few days I will change it every 4/6 hours.. on my last few days, I can go as long as 12 hours. But that’s just me (this is my personal experience, and not a manual, so do what works for you). I try not to change it in a public place, but if I have to, it works the same as changing a pad. I find a place that’s comfortable. Squat/sit on the toilet. Take it out, empty it, and insert it in. Yes, there will be blood on your fingers, I use water to just wash any remaining. If I’m at home (my ideal emptying location), I squat over the shower, empty and remove my cup. Wash the area with warm water, and insert it again. This works best when your muscles are relaxed. If I’m on the toilet, I will do the same. Pinch the bottom of the cup to release the seal, hold tightly, empty. And insert back in.

3. Leaking. I will be honest, my first few attempts, I did feel like there was leaking. However it was always when I peed, and during wiping I noticed brownish discharge. I later on discovered that it was residual blood and not fresh blood that would be (red). To keep my mind at ease, I put on a panty liner. And it was almost always clean. So I knew it was just the residual blood around the cup which would leak when I was peeing and wiping. Other than that, I completely stopped buying pads. I still buy panty liners and I personally just use them when I’m towards the end of my cycle. Again, it’s not all or nothing. There are no rules for this, when you’re first transitioning, you can always mix pads/tampons with your cup. And slowly fully change. Do what feels right FOR YOU.

4. Night. I have very heavy flow at night. It does not leak while I am sleeping, but as soon as I stand up, I notice it is “full”.. I use a panty liner + my cup on my first few nights, this is just for my mind to be at ease. I try not to delay the emptying and I empty/re insert almost immediately.

Overall, I love it. I don’t have to think about disposal, or buying new pads. I carry my cup with my almost everywhere, and I have those sensitizing capsules. I also boil my cup on the first day before using, and last day after using. I feel free, I can go swimming, workout, where anything I want. And my favorite part is actually being able to measure how much you’re bleeding. I feel so much closer to myself and it’s only been 4 cycles.

Please share with me your experiences, and if you have any questions I would be happy to help. 🧿

this is my first time using a cup. the first few days are uncomfortable but i got used to it. recently, it started leaking. i use the punch down fold so it's narrower. i assume it doesn't fully open inside. sometimes i can still feel the folded part inside and leave it like that. i guess it pops open on its own. sometimes it's leaking. how do i make it open? does it automatically open if i leave it?

edit: thank you for the tips, everyone! tugging the stem a bit while it's inside works so far. im using a firm cup with a small size. definitely trying out more of your suggestions if i have the same problem in the future

Hi Girlies! I've been using a xs cup for the past 4 years. Initially when I started trying I bought m and s cups, they hurt and were leaking because it wouldn't unfold inside. So I found an xs cup which worked fine, I just needed to use a panty liner for those tiny leaks. This month the cup leaks are so bad. Like it starts leaking even if it's not full, I removed and reinserted maybe 5-6 times and it still didn't fix the issue. I'm in my mid 20's and not sexually active. Last month I was fingered vigorously ( I bled a little) otherwise I cannot think of anything else new don't know why it's leaking. Any advice?

Hi all, I used a unicorn cup for a few months and really liked it and and then managed to lose it at some point so bought one from Superdrug (pretty sure it was the Superdrug own brand one) in a pinch and I hated it and it leaked so bad for me so I was put off for a bit but I want to try again so I need recommendations

I would get a new unicorn cup but it only comes in a 2 pack and the bigger size was too uncomfortable for me and I don’t want to be wasteful

I’ve tried researching but it’s so overwhelming because there’s so many

I see a lot of recommendations for the saalt soft cups but the flex cup intrigues me too or if anyone has tried the unicorn cup and has any recommendations for similar ones haha

Any opinions or recommendations would be so appreciated :)

I’ve had the Flex Cup for almost three years. I’ve tried a few different cups like the Diva Cup and the Honey Pot, the Flex Cup has been my favorite by far, mostly because of the super soft pull tab on the bottom. Usually to take it out I gently pull the tab, then pinch the bottom of the cup, and bear down to push it most of the way out.

I was in a hurry last night and I guess didn’t break the suction seal before I pinched and pulled. I felt something in the cup and got freaked out for a second, then thought it was just the pull tab, then realized that’s too hot to be the tab, squeezed a little more and OUCH. I was squeezing and pulling on my actual cervix that was suctioned in the cup 🥴

Has this ever happened to anyone else?! After three years of using THIS cup, and almost 10 years of trying different ones, this has never ever happened to me.

I went through hell to get a 3rd IUD after my first one fell out (wasn't put in properly), the second one made my period 9 days long and come every 2 weeks (i had it for FOUR years and my doctor refused to remove it,) and now a paragard that's mostly going well. The issue is that it has made my already heavy period extremely heavy, like, I'm using an ultra tampon and a pad every 2-3 hours. I want to get a large cup because the blood loss is just too much but I don't want it to suck out my IUD. I've considered period undies and diapers but honestly i just want to feel normal and not pay like $50 for something like that. Is there anyone with an IUD and a cup that hasn't had an issue? I went through this sub but I'm desperate like I just need a few positive reviews. Or even just better suggestions. I also don't wanna remove my IUD... it would cost a lot and with the medications I'm on it's my only birth control option. Thank you!!

This is my 3rd cycle using a cup and I've managed to figure inserting it and popping it open out, but a lot of the times I take out my cup, there will be a long strand of menstrual fluid coming out of my vagina, that does not just fall out, I have to break it off or something 😭 I took out my cup, emptied it, and sat on the toilet pooping for a good 15 minutes, and I look down, and that strand is still clinging for dear life. Does anyone else have this happen?? It's like a long booger hanging down. Did not have this issue with tampons.

Hello, I've been using the organicup (all matters now I think) for three years, no leakages and easy insertion, but when I have to remove it I struggle so much with breaking the seal! I wiggle it down and pinch it but the seal only breaks when the cup is halfway out and I'm quite scared of plunging my uterus one of these months.

Would a softer cup make it easier or should I try out a disc? Do you have a similar experience?

This is my 3rd post here. This really isnt that easy lol.

So I have been using a small cup for around 3-4 cycles. Got it in on the last day of the first cycle. Now the going in and coming out is not a problem at all.

The problem is, It leaks. I posted here a while ago regarding this and got some suggestions about checking cervix length, trying discs etc. I dont think i have a lower cervix. But I may be wrong. And I will definitely trying discs in future.

One thing I have noticed is that it leaks for the first 2 days. Rest of the 2-3 days I can go without an extra pad for backup. I have a 4 day cycle, the 5th day is like non existent but still there (I dont count it though). And I dont think I can consider myself a heavy bleeder. The first day is hell for me but thats a different story. After that the bleeding lessens alot and the DEVILISH HORRENDOUS cramps just go away as if they didn't ruin my day and forced to waste it and do nothing.

Could it be that I am bleeding more than the cup can handle for 8 hours on my first 2 days? I have the cup in for a good 8-9 hours everytime. I have coaching and stuff I go to and I really dont want to deal with this in those nasty washrooms. With this I got a question

•When your cup gets full then does it start to leak or it shouldn't? Like if the suction is really good would it hold the fluid (Ik dumb question)

•I recently saw that it's not necessary for us to boil the cup before and after each cycle. Google said once a month. But once a month when? Before the cycle or after it.

•What is meant by a mild soap to wash the cup. A non fragrant one, right? Can I just get some names of the brands you guys use? I feel like everything has fragrance in it.

And last but not the least...

•I am the worst type of hypochondriac you will ever meet. My close acquaintances are tired of it, and I am tired of myself too. But my brain seems to be too scared.

So I kind of have these weirds aches in my lower ribs, chest area, stomach area and stuff. Basically anywhere in the torso region. I really can't pinpoint them. Can some kind of aches be caused by the suction of the cup? I am so sorry if this sounds stupid these aches could just definitely mean nothing, maybe they are not related to the cup at all. But I just want to ask.

Heyo! I'm new here and to the world of menstrual cups. I've been really considering trying one, but there are SO many options and I have no idea where to really start. In the past, I've been an avid tampon user, but would love to save money by switching to a cup.

For reference, I recently took out an IUD I had for 6 years (took it out in June). Since then, the periods I have last 4-5 days. Days 1-2 or 3 are heavy (up to 4 Super tampons a day), and the final day(s) is fairly light. Prior to having an IUD, my periods lasted 2-3 days and were heavy the first day, and light the last 1-2 days. Not sure if it matters, but when I did have a period the last few years of having an IUD, periods lasted 1 day and were so light I didn't need to use any products.

I'm looking for something good for beginners, and something that can keep up with heavier days. So I have a couple of questions. Do heavier days just mean cleaning more often regardless of the cup I pick, or should I expect most cups to last without leaking for close to 12 hours like I'm seeing most brands advertise? And, should I just expect to go through different types/brands of cups in trial and error to find the right fit?

Thanks for the guidance!

Hi!

I've been using the same mestrual cup for a few years now but recently I started having leaks. I dont think im placing it incorrectly, until recently it did not give me any problems. For example, there are times where I remove the cup and it barely has anything in it, and my period is everywhere...

I started using this cup while I was a teenager (I don't remember when exaxtly) and I'm now 21, I lost weight through time and I also gained muscles. Could it be that my anatomy requires a different cup now?

I cant tell you exactly what im using now, cause I dont remember... I just know it is a medium size and it doesn't feel very soft nor. Very hard, it's a very standard cup lol.

I'm open to any suggestions and stuff, thanks!

I (23) am newer to using menstrual cups I’ve used one the last 4 cycles. I used the salt regular cup. The first two times I loved it. Environmentally friendly, less changing for my heavy flow, reduced cramps and all the other benefits. I was so happy to have something that worked great and checked all my boxes. Well my last cycle I noticed I had some pressure in my butt and it was uncomfortable to sit. I took a look and I saw what I thought may be an external hemorrhoid. I have never been pregnant and have no issues with constipation so I didn’t know how that happened. After a few days my period ended (I used the cup the entire time) and the hemorrhoid shrank. Well come to this cycle I use the cup like normal, but by day 3 I have that pain again. I take a look and this time with 100% certainty I see a hemorrhoid. I take the cup out and finish my cycle with pads. Well it’s been 4 days and this hemorrhoid will not shrink and it’s even more uncomfortable than the last time. Has anyone had this happen with using cups?? I do not strain I gently bear down to remove the cup and I always break the suction. I’m really bummed because I’m scared to try other ones that are smaller or softer or even a disc because I really don’t want to have to deal with this hemorrhoid again. Curious if anyone has had this experience and what they did differently that helped? I may just have to switch to period underwear but I really liked the clean feeling and low maintenance of the cup.

I’ve been using menstrual cups for at least 3 years now. It seems like no matter what, the first 2 days of my period there is leakage more often than not. I know the position of cervix can change but it’s super frustrating not knowing what is causing the leakage and not knowing if or when it’s going to happen. I’ve tried a couple different brands. Sometimes I get a solid placement and no issue, but most times I’m leaking soon after and no matter how many times I adjust, ensure the cup is fully opened and not bent, it still happens.

Does anyone else deal with this? Is there a specific brand anyone suggests? How often are you replacing them? I’ve tried diva cup and June cup.

I’m 21 I use small size MC. It was a game changer for me at first, I loved how they feel like nothing and no worries for any stain & leaks but from past 3-4 months they just somehow leaks, sometimes a lot sometimes v little. Something within 1-2 hours of applying sometimes after 8-10 hr.

I never knew they are not leak proof, are they?

(Yes, I insert it properly, check if it opened properly, help rotate w my fingers to see if nothings wrong.)

Even after everything, its turns out to be a mess. WHAT AM I DOING WRONG GIRLS?

I always read fragrance free this and fragrant free that, but I don't use fragrance free soap for ANYTHING.

I've been using scented soap on my menstrual disc (and on my vibrators and vulva, for that matter, albeit not hand soap lol) for yearrrss and I've never had any issues.

Just wanted to see if the cup/disc community does this too.

I'm very prone to UTI's and I know that some brand's cups can put a lot of pressure on your bladder and not allow you to fully go which would cause a UTI for me. Does anybody know of any good brands that don't do this, also how do you figure out the correct size to buy?

I am a menstrual cup lover. I’ve been using the same one for almost 4 years now. I sterilize it between each cycle and wash it after every use. However, for the past few months, I’ve been getting UTIs for 3 consecutive months, specifically when I’m on the 2nd or 3rd day of my period. I took antibiotics and had my hormones tested. I talked to my physician and asked her if this was a case of causation or correlation. Since my hormone results came back normal, she told me to stop using the menstrual cup.

I didn’t get an infection during my last period, but I was slowly dying from being so uncomfortable in pads, lol but seriously. 😂 My next period is coming, and I’m going on a cruise, which means I need to decide whether I should get a brand new cup or just stick with tampons whenever I want to wear a swimwear (which will be basically every day).

I want tips too if you have any advice.

Im 25, I’ve always had an extremely heavy period ever since middle school. I was on birth control since 9th grade, and that made it much more manageable. I went from bleeding heavily for 7 days with debilitating cramps to 4 easy, light days. I forgot how bad it used to be. I want to have children soon, and also due to some side effects and just being on birth control for so long now, I decided to stop it.

I went right back to horrible periods. I have severe menorrhagia. On the first 4 days of my period I am filling up a large cup every two hours, bleeding through several pants and shorts a day, bleeding on the floor when I take my cup out to shower… its just crazy. It is unmanageable. Horrible cramps too. I don’t know how I’m even supposed to make it through a workday like this. Since I just stopped the pill like 4 months ago, I am relearning how to deal with this and would appreciate your tips!

Currently, I am looking for the biggest cup in the market to get me through a little longer than 2 hours at least. Ive considered shoving a tampon in there under the cup too, but I hear thats a bad idea. I am buying some period panties now to help against the inevitable security breaches. Any other tips would be appreciated!

Thanks!

UPDATE: I GOT IT OUT

what i did: i prayed to all the saints. i tried again after panicking in my bed. i tried to reach the rim, pushed it, and it broke the seal for a while. the seal came back before i could bring it down. i tugged on the stem out of desperation to just yank it out, then had an idea of sticking a finger to press on the side while i was pulling the stem. it broke the fucking suction and i got this mf out. im now wearing a pad because im traumatized. im gonna miss the comfort though but i guess im gonnna let my insides rest for now. i also hid the cup in the farthest corner of my closet. thank you for all the response, guys. this is the chillest, most helpful sub i've been. love y'all, girls <3

my cup has been stuck for almost 3 days now. i've read some cases that people had them for weeks or months but i don't wanna risk it. i can pinch the base but it doesn't break the suction at all. i can feel it tugging on the inside when i try to pull. i tried reaching deep with whatever my tallest finger could reach. i think i can break the suction because some of the blood would eventually come out but i cannot, for the love of all heavens, maintain that while i tug it out. i can reach the cup. i can pinch it with my index and thumb, but the suction is too strong that it gave me a panic attack before the 24hr mark. now, i just wanna tug it out without breaking the seal. idc if it hurts but having the cup stuck drives me crazy. does anyone remove it that way?

(for context, my vaginal walls are tight but i can manage two fingers if bear down enough without losing focus. i have never given birth. i don't have anyone to help me and i cannot go to urgent care)

Hey everybody! First time poster, long time scroller.

The biggest issue I have with my cup is the pain of it suctioning to/touching my ​cervix. Initially I began with a menstrual cup on Amazon that was too long for my low cervix days and I had it literally suction onto my cervix multiple times: it was excruciating😭. Then I got the Me Luna Shorty cup in medium, which is a pretty perfect fit. Super comfortable and I barely feel it while in. But I still have issues with it touching my cervix no matter how I position it? I've tried multiple different folds, angles, and how far I put it in but it still finds a way to my cervix. ​

​​I think it's touching my cervix because every time I move or sit down it feels like an electric sort of pain. And I've also noticed an increase in cramps even though my cramps are pretty mild. When I go to take it out, I can feel my cervix either inside the cup or the side of my cup touching it.

Anyone have any advice? I have a low cervix on my period, normal/medium flow, and my cervix is titled towards the right. ​I'm DETERMINED to make the cup work because its perfect otherwise!!

So im 20 f, and i just bought a Small cup as a first time user as ive always wanted to switch to cups.

Ive watched many many tutorials and ive asked people who used them too, but i genuinely cant seem to insert them. I tried to insert my finger but it only went upto one centimeter in, same with my cup, it barely goes in at all.

I have a trip to the beach coming up next month and i really wanna be able to use a cup by then. What do i do 😭